Substitute Food Service Worker - Somonauk School Nutrition

Substitute School Food Service Worker – Fuel the Future!

Flexible, On-Call | Monday–Friday (No Nights or Weekends!)

Want to make a difference in kids' lives and enjoy a job that works around your life? Join our school nutrition team as a Substitute Food Service Worker and help serve nutritious meals that power learning—on the days that work best for you!

What You'll Do (When You're Scheduled):

• Prep, portion, and serve meals to students and staff
• Set up and clean serving areas and kitchen equipment
• Follow all food safety and sanitation guidelines
• Contribute to a positive and welcoming mealtime atmosphere
• Support the team and jump in wherever needed

Why You'll Love It:

• Family-friendly hours – off by mid-afternoon
• No nights, weekends, or holidays
• Summers off
• No experience needed – we provide training
• Make a meaningful impact in your local schools

We're Looking For:

• A positive attitude and willingness to help
• Dependability and attention to cleanliness
• Ability to take direction and follow food safety rules
• Enjoyment of being around children and school staff

Why Join Us?

• Competitive pay + opportunities for growth

About Us: At Whitsons, we believe that every child deserves a healthy, nourishing meal to succeed in the classroom and beyond. As a substitute team member, you'll help keep the kitchen running smoothly and students smiling—even if you're only available a few days a week.

Apply today and enjoy flexible work while helping nourish young minds—at Whitsons our mission is Enhancing Life One Meal at a Time™.

$15.00/hr

Required Qualifications and Competencies

Education

• Must complete all Whitsons and government-mandated training as required.

Experience

• Minimum 1 year of professional food service experience preferred but not required

Certifications

• ServSafe certification preferred but not required

Other Qualifications

• Ability to speak and read English sufficient to understand and perform job assignments, follow recipes, and comply with safety requirements.
• Always presents a positive and professional image; ability to work effectively as part of a food service team in a fast-paced kitchen environment.

Core Competencies

• Food Safety & Compliance: Consistently follows food safety, sanitation, and applicable regulatory standards; maintains accurate logs and documentation and complies with all Whitsons policies at all times.
• Execution & Reliability: Completes assigned food preparation, service, and sanitation tasks accurately and on time; follows portion and production standards to ensure consistent, high-quality meal service every shift.
• Attention to Detail: Demonstrates care in portioning, temperature monitoring, station setup, and recordkeeping; ensures every station is stocked, clean, and properly maintained throughout the service day.
• Teamwork: Works cooperatively with the Chef Manager, Lead Cook, and fellow food service workers; contributes to a positive, productive kitchen environment and supports the team's daily service goals.
• Customer Focus: Serves guests in a friendly and professional manner; takes pride in the quality and presentation of every meal; maintains a welcoming and clean station at all times.
• Professionalism: Arrives on time, follows assigned schedules and break rotations, maintains proper dress and hygiene standards, and consistently presents a positive image on behalf of Whitsons.

Work Environment and Other Details

Expected Hours of Work

This is a full-time or part-time non-exempt position. Days and hours of work are aligned with the facility's food service schedule. Occasional extended hours may be required in support of special events or operational needs.

Travel Requirements

This position is primarily site-based. Occasional travel to other locations may be required for substitute coverage or support.

Physical Demands of the Job

The Team Member is required to stand on their feet for the majority of the workday; frequently walk, talk, and hear; use hands and fingers to handle food, tools, and equipment; and reach with hands and arms. Must be able to lift and/or move up to 50 pounds, including while turning side to side. Exposure to extreme temperatures (hot and cold) due to cooking and refrigeration equipment. Movement in and out of storerooms and near freezers is regularly required. Specific vision abilities required include close vision and the ability to adjust focus. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Work Environment

This position operates primarily in a kitchen and food service production environment. Standing is required for the majority of the workday. The noise level is moderate to loud during meal service periods.

The duties listed above are intended as illustrations of the types of work that may be performed; the omission of specific statements does not exclude them from the position if the work is similar, related, or a logical assignment to the role.

The job description does not constitute an employment agreement between Whitsons and team member and is subject to change by Whitsons as the needs of Whitsons and requirements of the job change.